The Great South African Wines

You may have noticed that South African Wines are beginning to become very popular in major retail outlets recently. Many consider South Africa to be one of the best producers of red wine in particular!

Pinotage is South Africa’s Signature Variety, other key grape types are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Cinsault and Pinotage for reds and Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc for dry still whites. There has been a shift in popular production from bold, boastful and overripe reds to a more refined and elegant style that suits a wider variety of foods.

Did you know that Over 90 per cent of the country’s wine comes from the Western Cape? Thanks to the hot summers and winter rain, it makes for ideal conditions for growing vine. The beautiful mountain range gives a beautiful view, and the vast range of soil types, such as limestone, shale and granite, winemakers seem spoilt for choice when picking the right land.

Marinda Kruger-van Eck, winemaker for Boutinot explains: “Our vineyards have become older giving more character and finesse to the resulting wines. Viticulturists and winemakers have also been travelling more since the Mandela-era and have been exposed to global markets. We now have a much better understanding of what the customer wants but are also not afraid to push the traditional winemaking boundaries, as we have gained more confidence in our winemaking skills and the quality of grapes we produce.”

Here’s a few wines that are highly rated by customers from our stores…